So if you're someone who occasionally logs into this site, you'd know that I'm frequently the most vocal opponent of Man of Steel. I won't reiterate my thoughts as it's quite numerous and would derail this article. So keeping focused, here are things I would do if I was in charge of he DC Cinematic Universe. Now, for the sake of setting this up, in this 'pitch' Man of Steel didn't happen. We're throwing it all in the trash and starting anew.
TAKE IT SLOW
One of the biggest issues I have with the DC Cinematic Universe is that it's seemingly taking a solo Superman film and putting in Justice League characters in what should essentially be a straight up sequel to Man of Steel. The comparable Marvel equivilant is Iron Man 2, which did a lot of setting up a few characters important to the MCU. In this sense, it (arguably) made Iron Man 2 the weakest film of the MCU.
You would think that DC would have learned from Marvel's mistake. They need to take their time. I don't think many fans would have their jimmies rustled if DC established some solo films first. Part of the reason The Avengers was so well-received is that it was built towards. These characters were introduced and they had time to establish their personalities. DC should do that.
I want to know what Barry Allen is like before you introduce Clark and Bruce to his world. What is Diana thinking of this world before you thrust Hal into her way of life. These are things that in its current state, DC is like "we'll address later."
EMBRACE TELEVISION
While there are a few issues with Agents Of SHIELD, it's done a good job of representing the MCU on film. It's a nice compendium to the films, and acts as an excellent side story.
DC needs to embrace TV. There's no reason why Grant Gustin's Barry can't meet Henry Cavill's Superman. In fact, television is a great avenue to test out smaller characters before they are brought onto the big screen. Take Mockingird on Agents Of SHIELD. Clearly she could and probably will be brought into the films, but they are developing her story on the show first. I was talking before about DC taking it slow. It's entirely possible to utilize TV to introduce a few smaller characters before bringing them into a Justice League film.
GIVE THE 'TRINITY' A REST
While I want to say that I think it's odd Cyborg is getting his own film, at least WB and DC are taking a risk with the character. Sadly, this is so far down the line. They're almost leaning on Batman and Superman, knowing that these two are their primary money makers.
I'll be completely honest, I didn't need to see Superman open the DCCU. In fact, you look at Iron Man, they open the MCU with what's arguably a C-list hero. He's no Spider-Man. That said, they took a risk and tried something with the characters they had. Why can't DC open with a Red Tornado, Doctor Fate, Zatanna, or Hawkman. Hell, I would open with a Cyborg film! He's the audience lead in to thie universe. Establish Cyborg and introduce that world around him. Part of the fun of The Avengers was seeing characters like Steve, Tony, Clint, and Naasha who are semi-realistic heroes get introduced to the world of gods and monsters, as Natasha puts it, "Clint. This is Loki. This is monsters and magic and nothing we were ever trained for."
HAVE SOME FUN!
While it may sound like I'm wanting DC and WB to be like Marvel, it's not entirely the case. I want DC and WB to do their own thing, but this awkward mesh of trying to be like Marvel and not be like Marvel at the same time is kind of ridiculous.
One area where WB and DC ought to copy is the level of fun, excitement, and humor that the MCU does so well. No to say you can't have moments of brevity, but Man of Steel very rarely seemed to enjoy and revel in i's source material. It almost seemed more intent on subverting the expectation of what Superman is moreso than actually delivering on a fun Superman movie.